Love that ferry, me and my wife used to take it regularly when we lived in Birkenhead. It is on the expensive side, compared to flying, but it's so much more of a relaxed trip than having to go through the airport. The freedom of having your own car sitting waiting for you to leave in cant be beaten. The hygge lounge at night is decent when the truckers have all the cabins booked up and there's unlimited free teas and coffees with it too
Yes, I would definitely do this instead of flying. I love the sea. That cabin looked really comfortable and just chilling out in the bar before having a nap is very appealing. Pity about the food but presumably there were other options available. So much less stressful than the airport experience and being crammed on a plane.
@@Islandicus I’ve lived in Manchester 23 years and I’ve stopped flying to Dublin to visit family in 2009 because I got fed up of the hassle of both Manchester and Liverpool airports - instead of flying, I’ve went both coach & sail and on SailRail via Holyhead in both daytime and overnight, summer & winter - the SailRail from Manchester Piccadilly platform 14 and changing trains at either Chester, Crewe or Lladnuo can be a hassle and there is some hassle getting from Dublin Port into Dublin City Centre - I’ve written to Transport for Wales who manage SailRail, as the current SailRail product offering does need improvements in a lot of areas
That's really good value - looks great. I did an 18hr ferry trip in Japan in July. Was the best night's sleep I've had in years - something about the boat and engine motion!
Done it day and night rough and calm crossings I would recommend it especially for kids it’s an adventure, food drink a bit pricey bring your own my advice . I go to the footie so we prefer it especially now it’s updated , cabins immaculate staff fantastic .
Yes, I've travelled Birkenhead to Belfast return, and It was a pleasant enough crossing. I've travelled to and from Most UK ports on various shipping companies and found them to be much of a muchness. However, I'd not travelled this route before, particularly since I have a 150-mile journey to get there from South Wales. I picked the worst day to travel - the entire route teeming with heavy rain and visibility down to no more than 10-15 feet - and I was on a motorcycle! It was a bad enough ride unitl I got to Wrexham: no street signs, no (sensible) direction signs, no signs of any kind at the roundabouts; then from Chester - it took me nearly two hours trying to find my way to and through Birkenhead. If there is one town or city in the UK more hateful than Birkenhead I don't know where it might be. I had intended to get onto the M53 for the long way round to the Ferry Port, but somehow missed it in all the rain. Birken head is an absolute nightmare of roads that take you anywhere but where you want to go! To culminate this part of the journey, my motorcycle went ass-over-tip on the wet and spilt diesel deck, landing on top of me! A most uncomfortable crossing, arriving in Belfast (which I know very well), only find myself being picked up by an ambulance, having sustained five fractures to the ribs. From there, almost seven hours in an ambulance, seventeen hours in A&E and not seen by anyone in all that time, and another 7 nights in The Ulster Hospital with no clothing apart from my m/c kit and daytime wear. On my return journey I was asked by one of the junior officers if I was alright (I was walking quite hunched and in some pain). I gave him the full SP and he checked on the ship's log to find Stens's record of the incident. From that point onwards I was given free food, free drinks, the offer of a cabin (which I refused becuse I couldn't lie down), But I accepted the use of the Hygge rooms and recliner. All told, they attended me very well, although I have to say I didn't have a meal - I haven't touched any ferry company's food for more than 50 years as it's basically crap! - sorry Stena! I've sailed to and from almost every port in England and Scotland, and every port in Ireland - most of them easy to get to and from; but Birkenhead must rank as the worst place ever! Ferries are pretty much the same, whichever line you use - the food ghastly, the service almost non-existent, and the comfort seating not that comfortable. However, in this instance Stena did pull out the stops and made me as confortable as possible - but the recliners in the Hygge were still pretty naff! I remember the days before ro-ro - back in the 1960's, when overnight travel between Belfast and Liverpool was a scramble to find somewhere comfortable, managed to weave your way past the drunken hordes, but if you got a cabin, they were basic but very comfortable, plus you had tea and coffee at hand. I think I'd rather go back to those days!!! Thanks for the upload - I enjoyed it.
Hi Paul i did this crossing 07/24 to see family in Magherafelt on a night crossing and took my car and booked bunk like yours that was i think around £70.00 for the bunk ( could be wrong) and the total cost for all this was £277 for 1 person and my car is a standard size family estate car so a bit more pricey for my crossing but worth it as there was plenty of folks in the the bar area and the plus lounge at the front of the ship where there is snacks and soft drinks all the way through the sailing sleeping in chairs and sofa type seats and there was not much open as in bars and shops as they close on the overnight crossing, the only problem I had was with the cabin there was a very slight tapping/knocking noise all night in the cabin I was in and presume it was a mechanical fault somewhere in the ship, and the alcohol bar is only open to around 11pm but only had 2 Guinness as I was driving again at 06.30 in Belfast and 2 - pints of Guinness was £6.00 each, I did not have any food like you purchased as I took what was needed from home and had the benefit of the snacks and beverages from the stena plus lounge, I have only used the Liverpool crossing once and would use again as I usually use the Cairnryan crossing in Scotland which is only 2.5 hrs but its a 4-5 hour drive from Manchester depending on the time of day you travel.
Me and my dad used to get this a lot years ago it was fantastic plus the food used to be included in the price, we used to get on get to the cabin and then the call came out for sandwiches then later dinner and I can’t remember but I think breakfast 👌 I’m thinking of going again soon and bringing my dog as they do cabins for you and the dog as well, main advantage for us was Liverpool to Essex so instead of Scotland the journey was cut in half 👌
Hi Paul excellent video taken the ferry to Belfast you will enjoy it i never been to Belfast it looks a wonderful place to in northern Ireland the ferry crossing looks comfortable the room on the ferry doesn't look that bad the beds look comfortable enjoy Belfast paul thanks for excellent video take care pal from Keith
The number of times i have done the Stena sail from Scotland to Belfast as my daughter lives there, it is a great sail, clean ship, great staff, i try get a room all the time even though my sail is only just over 2 hours, the ship is normally really busy and the noise can be a lot for me.
Great vlog really reasonable prices .Nice cabins lovely seating areas been to France on the ferry a couple of times never enjoyed the food .Thanks it was very informative rea Enjoyed it 😊
Love your videos❤. Did that crossing in 2008, food was complimentary too. We booked a corner cabin with a window as was much wider, only 2 single beds though. Was an older ferry.
I did it a couple of months ago overnight in both directions out on Edda back on Embla I spent the outward journey from Birkenhead in the Living Room area and had a inside Cabin (£65) coming back I had a great time I intend going back soon as I like to go Horse Racing at Downpatrick
Thank very much for the mini-travelogue, I've often considered trying a trip to Belfast from 12 Quays, but didn't think the ship would be as well appointed as it clearly is, the cabins do look particularly welcoming. Is there WiFi in the cabins, or just public areas (hopefully, at a minimum)?
Good service. Take your own food as on board is a bit expensive. Dont bother with the lounge seats as its a bit of a pile on once the ferry has left port. Head for a corner seat in one of the many areas, with a socket for your gadgets. The Belfast Cairnryan service is good too. Wrap up warm though because Belfast docks are cold and they shut the waiting room after a short while.
Thank you for such an interesting, factual travel vlog. I would love to travel to Belfast on the ferry ⛴️ it would be so exciting. I loved the view you filmed of the wonderful, remarkable city of Liverpool you can see so much of the cityscape 🏙️ and iconic buildings. Haha your filming embarking made me think of the silent movie style. Cute cabin just right for an 8 hour crossing it was great and the ensuite surprisingly spacious. The whole ferry was really spacious, clean making for a Bon voyage. Gosh taken me ages to do this comment my noisy family are here! 😊 Such an enjoyable film with amazing photography x
I always use them as me dad is buried in carrigart cemetery county donegal. Nice part of Ireland for sure. As it's quicker for me to drive from Belfast to donegal.
I travelled to Dublin last month on Irish Ferries from Holyhead. Very calm sea both ways. Ships very similar. Last year went to Belfast but from Cairnryan in Scotland so although shorter crossing, the road journey was longer. Also North Sea Ferries from Hull to Rotterdam. The ferries are all very similar. Captive audience for food so prices can be inflated. Best ferry was P&O Plymouth to Santander. Thanks for doing this journey.
@@user-kf1he2pk3lYes you are correct, it was Brittany Ferries. I really enjoyed it. Cabins OK, food good, calm crossing both ways. Better than Irish Ferries. Perfect!
I live about a mile from the port in Birkenhead and many times have been down there to watch it be loaded! Never been on it but watching this I definitely want to go! Wondering how the poor Stagecoach driver turned around to get out!
In the hygge lounge it's free tea and coffee or hot drinks. Which is good but on the downside the seats don't recline although they are quite comfortable
I just can’t understand why Irish Ferries, Stena and Isle of Man Ferries don’t do foot passenger only ferries between Liverpool and Dublin, with coach connections from Liverpool Lime St if operating from Birkenhead and not from Liverpool central where the big cruise ships go from - after all, Irish Ferries have a ferry from Dover to Calais
I've been on that ferry but in the opposite direction and it is the only ferry between Northern Ireland and England, unless the Belfast Heysham still runs but it was vehicle only,in fact the only ferry between all of Ireland and England to take foot passengers since the Dublin to Liverpool is vehicle only.
I can not believe you pay exactly the same as I do, as i say i sail from Scotland, just over 2 hours and its the same price, cabin the same too but i would expect that, the food used to be so good but yip we take our own stuff now, the cabins on our ship is more like a hotel room, double beds, 2 seater sofa, lounge chair, tv, tea and coffee making facilitiy, biscuits, chocolates, shower and posh shower gel, hand soap.
Thank u so much my son has always wanted to go but won't fly. So next year we're saving up probably going. IS THERE KETTLE IN YOUR ROOM? I'm ambulatory use power wheelchair folds down so it easier for me.
That's not the point of the video it's a travel vlog channel showing options for Travelers I travelled back on easyJet but as I said it's to give content to giewers
@@ianyams Hi but that was not the point of the video, it was leisurely relaxing and I have a cabin for 8 hours just giving a variation on the channel hope you enjoyed the crossing
You explain everything in such a way, thank you for sharing, £ value for your stay over, never travel to Belfast, 😊
Brought back some memories when I worked on the Liverpool to Dublin Ferries back in the 80's. Great memories.
Love that ferry, me and my wife used to take it regularly when we lived in Birkenhead. It is on the expensive side, compared to flying, but it's so much more of a relaxed trip than having to go through the airport. The freedom of having your own car sitting waiting for you to leave in cant be beaten. The hygge lounge at night is decent when the truckers have all the cabins booked up and there's unlimited free teas and coffees with it too
Yes, I would definitely do this instead of flying. I love the sea. That cabin looked really comfortable and just chilling out in the bar before having a nap is very appealing. Pity about the food but presumably there were other options available. So much less stressful than the airport experience and being crammed on a plane.
@@Islandicus I’ve lived in Manchester 23 years and I’ve stopped flying to Dublin to visit family in 2009 because I got fed up of the hassle of both Manchester and Liverpool airports - instead of flying, I’ve went both coach & sail and on SailRail via Holyhead in both daytime and overnight, summer & winter - the SailRail from Manchester Piccadilly platform 14 and changing trains at either Chester, Crewe or Lladnuo can be a hassle and there is some hassle getting from Dublin Port into Dublin City Centre - I’ve written to Transport for Wales who manage SailRail, as the current SailRail product offering does need improvements in a lot of areas
That's really good value - looks great. I did an 18hr ferry trip in Japan in July. Was the best night's sleep I've had in years - something about the boat and engine motion!
Done it day and night rough and calm crossings I would recommend it especially for kids it’s an adventure, food drink a bit pricey bring your own my advice . I go to the footie so we prefer it especially now it’s updated , cabins immaculate staff fantastic .
Yes, I've travelled Birkenhead to Belfast return, and It was a pleasant enough crossing. I've travelled to and from Most UK ports on various shipping companies and found them to be much of a muchness. However, I'd not travelled this route before, particularly since I have a 150-mile journey to get there from South Wales. I picked the worst day to travel - the entire route teeming with heavy rain and visibility down to no more than 10-15 feet - and I was on a motorcycle! It was a bad enough ride unitl I got to Wrexham: no street signs, no (sensible) direction signs, no signs of any kind at the roundabouts; then from Chester - it took me nearly two hours trying to find my way to and through Birkenhead. If there is one town or city in the UK more hateful than Birkenhead I don't know where it might be. I had intended to get onto the M53 for the long way round to the Ferry Port, but somehow missed it in all the rain. Birken head is an absolute nightmare of roads that take you anywhere but where you want to go! To culminate this part of the journey, my motorcycle went ass-over-tip on the wet and spilt diesel deck, landing on top of me! A most uncomfortable crossing, arriving in Belfast (which I know very well), only find myself being picked up by an ambulance, having sustained five fractures to the ribs. From there, almost seven hours in an ambulance, seventeen hours in A&E and not seen by anyone in all that time, and another 7 nights in The Ulster Hospital with no clothing apart from my m/c kit and daytime wear.
On my return journey I was asked by one of the junior officers if I was alright (I was walking quite hunched and in some pain). I gave him the full SP and he checked on the ship's log to find Stens's record of the incident. From that point onwards I was given free food, free drinks, the offer of a cabin (which I refused becuse I couldn't lie down), But I accepted the use of the Hygge rooms and recliner. All told, they attended me very well, although I have to say I didn't have a meal - I haven't touched any ferry company's food for more than 50 years as it's basically crap! - sorry Stena!
I've sailed to and from almost every port in England and Scotland, and every port in Ireland - most of them easy to get to and from; but Birkenhead must rank as the worst place ever! Ferries are pretty much the same, whichever line you use - the food ghastly, the service almost non-existent, and the comfort seating not that comfortable. However, in this instance Stena did pull out the stops and made me as confortable as possible - but the recliners in the Hygge were still pretty naff!
I remember the days before ro-ro - back in the 1960's, when overnight travel between Belfast and Liverpool was a scramble to find somewhere comfortable, managed to weave your way past the drunken hordes, but if you got a cabin, they were basic but very comfortable, plus you had tea and coffee at hand. I think I'd rather go back to those days!!!
Thanks for the upload - I enjoyed it.
Hi Paul i did this crossing 07/24 to see family in Magherafelt on a night crossing and took my car and booked bunk like yours that was i think around £70.00 for the bunk ( could be wrong) and the total cost for all this was £277 for 1 person and my car is a standard size family estate car so a bit more pricey for my crossing but worth it as there was plenty of folks in the the bar area and the plus lounge at the front of the ship where there is snacks and soft drinks all the way through the sailing sleeping in chairs and sofa type seats and there was not much open as in bars and shops as they close on the overnight crossing, the only problem I had was with the cabin there was a very slight tapping/knocking noise all night in the cabin I was in and presume it was a mechanical fault somewhere in the ship, and the alcohol bar is only open to around 11pm but only had 2 Guinness as I was driving again at 06.30 in Belfast and 2 - pints of Guinness was £6.00 each, I did not have any food like you purchased as I took what was needed from home and had the benefit of the snacks and beverages from the stena plus lounge, I have only used the Liverpool crossing once and would use again as I usually use the Cairnryan crossing in Scotland which is only 2.5 hrs but its a 4-5 hour drive from Manchester depending on the time of day you travel.
Me and my dad used to get this a lot years ago it was fantastic plus the food used to be included in the price, we used to get on get to the cabin and then the call came out for sandwiches then later dinner and I can’t remember but I think breakfast 👌 I’m thinking of going again soon and bringing my dog as they do cabins for you and the dog as well, main advantage for us was Liverpool to Essex so instead of Scotland the journey was cut in half 👌
Hi Paul excellent video taken the ferry to Belfast you will enjoy it i never been to Belfast it looks a wonderful place to in northern Ireland the ferry crossing looks comfortable the room on the ferry doesn't look that bad the beds look comfortable enjoy Belfast paul thanks for excellent video take care pal from Keith
love your videos, can't wait to see your choice of hotels in Belfast, my favourite city.
The number of times i have done the Stena sail from Scotland to Belfast as my daughter lives there, it is a great sail, clean ship, great staff, i try get a room all the time even though my sail is only just over 2 hours, the ship is normally really busy and the noise can be a lot for me.
I think the Ferry is a good value. Its a go for me. Thanks for sharing
Great vlog really reasonable prices .Nice cabins lovely seating areas been to France on the ferry a couple of times never enjoyed the food .Thanks it was very informative rea
Enjoyed it 😊
The staff on the edda were very freindly and polite. Love em. Lot of the staff are very nice. Although the food I'd quite expensive.
Done it a gew times and will do it again. The Stena ferries are good. Much much better than the "cattle boats" I've used in the past.
Love your videos❤. Did that crossing in 2008, food was complimentary too. We booked a corner cabin with a window as was much wider, only 2 single beds though. Was an older ferry.
You got your sea legs on the crossing. Nice review.
Thank you
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Looks pretty cosy that Paul. I've only ever been on a ferry in the day. But overnight looks appealing. 👍
I did it a couple of months ago overnight in both directions out on Edda back on Embla I spent the outward journey from Birkenhead in the Living Room area and had a inside Cabin (£65) coming back I had a great time I intend going back soon as I like to go Horse Racing at Downpatrick
Not too bad, shame about the chips.. thanks for sharing Paul :)
Thank very much for the mini-travelogue, I've often considered trying a trip to Belfast from 12 Quays, but didn't think the ship would be as well appointed as it clearly is, the cabins do look particularly welcoming.
Is there WiFi in the cabins, or just public areas (hopefully, at a minimum)?
There's wi-fi but is very slow or you can pay for fast speed £4 while your sailing
Thanks Paul for sharing Paul boat's isn't for me sooner fly it's a good price but to long a journey ❤❤
Superb as always👍..Feeling wee bit sea sick now..Need a lie down 🤣
Good service. Take your own food as on board is a bit expensive. Dont bother with the lounge seats as its a bit of a pile on once the ferry has left port. Head for a corner seat in one of the many areas, with a socket for your gadgets. The Belfast Cairnryan service is good too. Wrap up warm though because Belfast docks are cold and they shut the waiting room after a short while.
My husband does the night crossing it's good as our disabled daughter can go to bed and chill till morrning
Thank you for such an interesting, factual travel vlog. I would love to travel to Belfast on the ferry ⛴️ it would be so exciting. I loved the view you filmed of the wonderful, remarkable city of Liverpool you can see so much of the cityscape 🏙️ and iconic buildings. Haha your filming embarking made me think of the silent movie style. Cute cabin just right for an 8 hour crossing it was great and the ensuite surprisingly spacious. The whole ferry was really spacious, clean making for a Bon voyage. Gosh taken me ages to do this comment my noisy family are here! 😊 Such an enjoyable film with amazing photography x
The price is extremely good well worth it and the travelling quite straightforward 👍
Loved this x
I always use them as me dad is buried in carrigart cemetery county donegal. Nice part of Ireland for sure. As it's quicker for me to drive from Belfast to donegal.
I have been on all of them across to Belfast and back nice sailings.
I travelled to Dublin last month on Irish Ferries from Holyhead. Very calm sea both ways. Ships very similar. Last year went to Belfast but from Cairnryan in Scotland so although shorter crossing, the road journey was longer. Also North Sea Ferries from Hull to Rotterdam. The ferries are all very similar. Captive audience for food so prices can be inflated. Best ferry was P&O Plymouth to Santander. Thanks for doing this journey.
Plymouth to Santander is Brittany Ferries. P&O haven't sailed to Spain since 2010 and then it was Portsmouth to Bilbao.
@@user-kf1he2pk3lYes you are correct, it was Brittany Ferries. I really enjoyed it. Cabins OK, food good, calm crossing both ways. Better than Irish Ferries. Perfect!
I live about a mile from the port in Birkenhead and many times have been down there to watch it be loaded! Never been on it but watching this I definitely want to go! Wondering how the poor Stagecoach driver turned around to get out!
I did too!
With a basic pay of over 30k plus generous overtime, I can assure you that there are no poor Stagecoach drivers 💷
Hi Paul how u doing hope u have a good time
great vid cabin will of course be more at night
In the hygge lounge it's free tea and coffee or hot drinks. Which is good but on the downside the seats don't recline although they are quite comfortable
Cheap as chips esp if you don’t get a cabin ,just have a few beers and fall asleep in a chair just like you do on a plane
I just can’t understand why Irish Ferries, Stena and Isle of Man Ferries don’t do foot passenger only ferries between Liverpool and Dublin, with coach connections from Liverpool Lime St if operating from Birkenhead and not from Liverpool central where the big cruise ships go from - after all, Irish Ferries have a ferry from Dover to Calais
Family in N.I use the ferry a lot, they think it's brilliant apart from the prices on board off course...
I've been on that ferry but in the opposite direction and it is the only ferry between Northern Ireland and England, unless the Belfast Heysham still runs but it was vehicle only,in fact the only ferry between all of Ireland and England to take foot passengers since the Dublin to Liverpool is vehicle only.
Amazing video. Thanks Paul
What made you decide to get a cruise/ferry to Belfast.
Another fantastic video 📸 keep the hard work up paul and 15k subscribers will hit you soon.
Different content for the channel Jim, it's is a travel channel not just hotels
@@whoknowswhere yes I understand, was just curious.
Must be the dearest bit of water to cross in the world, whether by car or foot passenger 😮
I can not believe you pay exactly the same as I do, as i say i sail from Scotland, just over 2 hours and its the same price, cabin the same too but i would expect that, the food used to be so good but yip we take our own stuff now, the cabins on our ship is more like a hotel room, double beds, 2 seater sofa, lounge chair, tv, tea and coffee making facilitiy, biscuits, chocolates, shower and posh shower gel, hand soap.
The cabins are dearer at night time. Than during the day. They are built recently nice new boats.
Thank u so much my son has always wanted to go but won't fly. So next year we're saving up probably going. IS THERE KETTLE IN YOUR ROOM? I'm ambulatory use power wheelchair folds down so it easier for me.
No kettle
Environmental adult charge if you going to use the toilet which I think is shocking is basic human needs
Must've got the idea from Michael O'Leary!
The cabin was really nice but I didn’t like the look of the food! Was there much choice on the menu, Paul? Another great video! Thanks 😊
I think about 6 main dishes Check the online menu
@@whoknowswhere I thought that after I asked 🤪😂
@@moyaterry8493 there wasn't much choice at all the food bars or restaurants
Wish they had Liverpool/Dublin ferry.
Me too
Love birkenhead. Living near london for 40 years now.
Does that go from the four bridges Paul?
Not sure just the Stena Line terminal
easyJet Liverpool -Belfast £ 23 50 minutes one way best for foot traveler
That's not the point of the video it's a travel vlog channel showing options for Travelers I travelled back on easyJet but as I said it's to give content to giewers
Hi Paul, is that price one way or return? thanks.
One way with cabin for 4 people so you pay per person on foot and the cabin was £40 for 4 people
I flew back cheaper but I did the video to show options
@@whoknowswhere thanks. Thought it was too cheap for return.
@@whoknowswhere it’s mad how it’s cheaper nowadays to fly.
@@ianyams Hi but that was not the point of the video, it was leisurely relaxing and I have a cabin for 8 hours just giving a variation on the channel hope you enjoyed the crossing
Is that cost for one way or return. ?
One way
Is that a return
One way
Do they allow dogs?
I point to the kennels in the video
I agree that ay to bad at all carnt complain m8 just catching up on ya videos m8
I would not be putting plugs in my ears on any ship,I want to be able to hear someone shouting abandon ship!
Hi Paul, I'd like to Subscribe but can't find the button. Help please, thanks.
are you trying to sub on TV or phone?
4 to a cabin for lorry drivers , that can be 4 strangers 🤬🤬
Do u need passport to go to Belfast? My sons autistic won't fly on plane.
no passport requiired belfast part of the UK
No you don't need one its part of the UK but you may need ID for some hotels
That mattress is filthy dirty nowhere near clean 🤮
No it wasn't its the shadows casting off the reading light above, I know I was there
@@whoknowswhere definitely stains it wasn't just in one spot but a few places Paul